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Machu Picchu, Peru - #AtoZtravel

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Machu Picchu - the one and only. And the very place where I spent the eve of my 28th birthday :)

No doubt anyone who loves to travel has at some stage thought about hiking the Inca Trail, and all I can say is that the experience was amazing and I would highly recommend it.

Machu Picchu top tip #1: pay for a porter to carry your things. Most people do and it's how many of the local men in the area make their living. Plus it makes the walking pretty luxurious - you can concentrate on the views and history rather than the weight of your bag! Just make sure you tip well at the end of the three days.

Day 1 - at the start of the Inca Trail on our way to Machu Picchu, Peru 2009

Machu Picchu top tip #2: Pack warm, waterproof clothing. The Inca Trail is a three-day trek that reaches a lung-squeezing height of 4,214 metres. It can get very cold, particularly on areas of the track that are exposed to wind.

There were several sections of original Inca stone paths that we passed along during the three days, in some rather remote spots...

Day 2 - the Inca Trail on our way to Machu Picchu, Peru 2009

Day 2 - the Inca Trail on our way to Machu Picchu, Peru 2009

There were also some friendly, woolly individuals on the path as well...

Day 3 - llama on the Inca Trail, Peru 2009

Machu Picchu top tip #3: a popular thing to do on the Inca Trail trek is to rise extra early on the last day in order to reach the Sun Gate in time for sunrise. However, as we learned the high mountains block most the view at sunrise, and it's usually quite cloudy, so you're better off taking your time.

Machu Picchu early in the morning - Peru 2009

Once the clouds parted we were treated to the most well-known Machu Picchu view of them all. And yes, it is breathtaking in person...

Machu Picchu early in the morning - Peru 2009

Machu Picchu top tip #4: Buy some llama themed chocolate to celebrate seeing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

This November I'm blogging every day in a A to Z travel challenge, where I'll share some of the amazing but more obscure places I've travelled to in the world as I make my way through the alphabet. If you'd like to join me on this travel blogging challenge please do. I'd love to hear about some of your favourite travel destinations. Tweet using #AtoZtravel and I'll retweet you, or just share your posts in my comment feed. Enjoy and Happy #AtoZtravel November!

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comments

I so want to visit Peru at the moment...just done my link up topic of the country...am thinking the 3 day hike is something that you need to do to really appreciate the location of Machu Picchu! Great post and tips.xxAround the World in 80 Pairs of Shoes